The origin of the Halloween jack-o’-lantern stems from Ireland where people once carved out turnips and potatoes and placed candles inside for protection on All Hallow’s Eve. The idea was to keep ghosts, that were said to return to earth to walk the streets, from playing tricks on the living.

When Irish people immigrated to America, they brought along the tradition. They found that carved pumpkins could replace turnips and potatoes.

Since then, a new trend in jack-o’-lantern carving has developed in the craft industry. Today, stencils, specialized cutting tools and online sources are available to help you bring out the “soul” hidden inside every pumpkin-turned jack-o’-lantern.

Rather than the usual jack-o’-lantern face, I made a Jack Russell terrier face on my pumpkin this year to honor my favorite breed of dog.